Wednesday, October 12, 2016

The Underwater Room at the Manta Resort is unlike any other hotel room
in the world

Procrastination isn't often rewarded, but we've managed to put together a list of last-minute holiday space for Africa and Latin America that should feel like the ultimate seasonal gift for your heel-dragging clients. Read on to see their opportunities for exploration and relaxation...

Visitors to Ka'ana can visit a number of Mayan ruins in
Belize and Guatemala

Maya Trails: The holiday season is near the winter solstice - meaning short days, long nights and cold weather for us in North America. It's the perfect time to escape somewhere warm and sunny and Maya Trails suggests Ka'ana resort in the Cayo District of beautiful Belize. Space is available over the holidays, and their 'Four Perfect Days' itinerary gives travelers a smorgasbord of experiences. Jungle hikes, Mayan ruins, yoga, spa treatments, ziplining, cooking and more - it's a fun and immersive adventure. Email Adriana for availability.

Albatros Travel: Albatros Travel has a holiday treat for your travelers! A bush escape with an optional beach add on is available as of this writing in either Kenya (Dec 20, 24 or 30th departures) or Tanzania (Dec 18, 22, 26 and 30th departures). Guests will have the chance to visit each country's flagship parks while staying in beautiful properties. Clients can add 7 nights at Pemba's Manta Resort - including a night in their amazing underwater room - for just $2995 pp rack (includes return domestic flights from Zanzibar to Pemba with transfers). Contact Jennie for availability as it changes constantly.

Your clients can ring in the new year Zimbabwe-style

Imvelo Safari Lodges: We've spent the holidays in Zimbabwe before and can attest to the soundness of the idea. Imvelo Safari Lodges still has space for holiday travelers at Gorges Lodge in Vic Falls and Bomani and Nehimba in Hwange. And with the Bomani/Gorges stay 3/pay 2 green season special valid over the holidays, travelers can enjoy a holiday safari with leftover 'green' for gifts! What better way to spend the season than with the majesty of the Bakota Gorge as a backdrop or with elephants rumbling an African lullaby outside your tent? Contact Sjaan for availability.

Ultimate Safaris: Demand for off-the-beaten-track destinations combined with a weak rand means Namibia is seeing its best occupancy in years. As a result, Ultimate Safaris reports almost no last-minute holiday availability, but they have one opening for 2 travelers on their Nov 15 Ultimate Namibia departure. Contact Colleen immediately to book. It's a good reminder that it's not too early to reserve for 2017! Ultimate Namibia set departures in Oct - Dec 2017 currently have space, so if you have clients on the fence about 2017 festive season travel, encourage them to book now!

Hiking in Cotopaxi's wilderness makes for a perfect
alpine holiday

Tropic Ecuador: Tropic Ecuador has added new dates to their land-based Galapagos departure during this holiday season after the opening of their new ecolodge, Magic Galapagos. There are still a few openings for lucky travelers that are quick to book. Tropic has also announced holiday departures for their lodge-to-lodge treks in the Otavalo and Cotopaxi regions. If you have interested travelers and can act quickly, you can combine all 3 programs (Otavalo + Cotopaxi + Galapagos) for a fantastic Ecuador holiday vacation. Visit our blog for dates or email Cristina to book!

Classic Africa Safaris: Uganda is ready to welcome your holiday season travelers with open arms. Many of Classic Africa Safaris' preferred properties have space. Classic can help you craft an itinerary touching on Uganda's highlights, including both chimpanzee and gorilla trekking (permits are still available!), as well as big game viewing in Queen Elizabeth NP and Murchison Falls NP. If you have clients interested in traveling in November, don't forget permits are discounted! Gorilla permits are $450 ($150 savings) and chimp permits are $100 ($50 savings). Contact Hilda to book.

Pafuri's gorgeous scenery may make it the most beautiful
area in Kruger

New Frontiers: South Africa continues to be in demand by the North American market, and this holiday season is no exception. New Frontiers is pleased to report that Pafuri Camp in Northern Kruger still has room. The 19 tent family-friendly Pafuri is best for experienced Africa travelers not fixated on seeing the Big 5. Another option is the new, exclusive use, 4 bedroom Boulders Beach Villa, a perfect family retreat with its own nesting penguins right on its doorstep. Located on the Cape Peninsula, the villa is just 40km from Cape Town and is a great base for exploring nearby seaside villages and the incredible natural surroundings. New Frontiers may also be able to find space in Cape Town and other safari reserves if travelers are flexible, as first or second choices aren't guaranteed.